What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pusillanimous
Example
The pusillanimous soldier refused to go into battle. [pusillanimous: adjective]
Example
Her pusillanimity prevented her from pursuing her dreams. [pusillanimity: noun]
timid
Example
The timid child hid behind their mother's skirt. [timid: adjective]
Example
She felt too timid to ask for a raise at work. [timid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Timid is more commonly used than pusillanimous in everyday language, and is more likely to be familiar to English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pusillanimous and timid?
Pusillanimous is a more formal and literary word than timid, and may be more appropriate in academic or professional contexts where a higher level of formality is expected.
